Civic corporations to have GHMC-like disaster teams

Hyderabad: In the wake increasing the threats of natural calamities mainly heavy rains, Telangana government is set to establish in Disaster Management and Enforcement wings in all municipal corporations including in the Smart Cities of Warangal and Karimnagar.

Municipal Administration Minister KT Rama Rao and Panchayat Raj Minister E Dayakar Rao launched 'Central Enforcement Cell' and a Mobile App at Enforcement, Vigilance and Disaster Management (EVDM) office in Hyderabad on Friday.

EVDM is a wing within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation.Minister KTR appreciated the work of Disaster Response Force (DRF) teams during emergencies in the city during the last one and half years after its establishment.

On seeing its effectiveness in the city, Minister KTR announced that similar assistance would be provided to the citizens in other Municipal Corporations in a phased manner.

"In the initial stage, the DRF teams will start their operations in Warangal and Karimnagar municipal corporations," said KTR. Director, Enforcement, Vigilance & Disaster Management Viswajit Kampati said that DRF mobile teams were providing assistance to the citizens and are also attending emergency calls, executing rescue operations. He mentioned that the teams are helping clear water loggings and fallen trees in the city.

The Central Enforcement cell and Mobile app would be monitoring illegal activities like illegal construction, footpath encroachments, illegal dumping.

The app would also provide features with which the citizens can pay penalties. Mayor B Rammohan, MAUD Principal Secretary Arvind Kumar, GHMC Commissioner Lokesh Kumar were also present.